Since nursing aides play an invaluable role in caring for residents of Cherry Village Benevolence, they were recently recognized by their colleagues.
Cherry Village, 1401 Cherry Lane, is a short- and long-term-care residence that employs a total of 48 certified nurse’s aides (CNAs) and certified medication aides (CMAs). Each received gifts and the thanks of their coworkers during National Nursing Assistants Week, June 14-21.
“The aides are the backbone of many services we offer,” said Erin Lewis, Cherry Village director of marketing. “For example, they take vital signs and monitor skin integrity, and help with personal hygiene and other activities of daily living.
“At the same time, they create a pleasant atmosphere for residents by getting to know their likes and dislikes,” she added. “They develop a rapport with residents, which leads to caring relationships.”
Lewis explained that nurses and their aides want to know as much about residents as possible because they “deserve to have as much control over their daily lives as possible. And just as important, our aides help ensure residents are treated with kindness and respect in a safe and loving environment they can call home.”
In addition, CNAs and CMAs are often the first to notice when a resident is facing a physical or emotional problem.
“The minute that aides think something isn’t quite right, they report to our nursing staff and/or administrators,” Lewis said. “This is one of their most important responsibilities.”
CNAs often pursue their education to earn the additional title of CMA.
“Once they complete their medication classes, they know how to recognize side effects, the purpose of the medications and how to administer them,” Lewis noted. “Some of these men and women also take on additional leadership roles here and around the community.”
The National Network of Career Nursing Assistants sponsors the special week each year.